This past weekend my friend Anna and I decided to take our parents to the Apple Harvest Festival that takes place once a year! After growing to love “Vintage Virginia Apples” at the Charlottesville Saturday morning farmers market, we thought we would head right to the source.
Taking a lesson from history, this family-run orchard looked to Thomas Jefferson for help and guidance. Our one and only TJ experimented with over 18 varieties of apples at his Monticello home, and today the Sheldon family does too. Located on Rural Ridge Farm in North Garden, these apples are grown on a family-run orchard. With a large variety of interesting apples, many of these flavors cannot be obtained anywhere else.
This year was the 10th annual Apples Harvest Festival! From cider tasting, to home cooked Brunswick stew, my parents were so very lucky to have such a unique Charlottesville experience!
Many local farmers, craftsmen, and bakers gathered on Rural Ridge Lane to display and sell their goodies. With a bluegrass soundtrack and children running all around, the afternoon could not have been more delightful!
While my mom and I travelled from booth to booth, my dad was so fascinated by the kettle corn, he quickly became friends with the cook and posted up by the tent to watch and learn the art of kooking kettle korn. While I did not have as much patience to watch the whole process… I sure did stick around once the batch was finished. Boy, oh boy that stuff is good!
While apples were the main topic of concern, other appealing dishes were up for grabs… such as the curious goat burger and the slightly more common cinnamon sugar doughnut!
Although the apple festival only comes around once a year, you can visit Rural Ridge Orchard for cider tasting, workshops, and other planned special events. Just head out to 2545 Rural Ridge Lane, North Garden, VA. I sure know I am planning on heading back before it gets too cold!
Have a Fun Friday… and check back soon!
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